President Ghani chairs high-level security meeting

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani on Friday chaired a high level security meeting that reviewed the security situation in Ghazni, Farah and Zabul provinces, the Presidential Palace said in a statement.

The meeting, attended by leadership of the National Directorate of Security and the security sector, was briefed about the recent developments in southern Ghazni province, the statement said.

The meeting was told that the enemy suffered heavy casualties during the clashes in Ghazni.

President Ghani, the supreme commander of the armed forces, praised the bravery of the Afghan forces and directed provincial security officials to increase their coordination particularly in Ghazni.

Security and defense officials from Ghazni, Farah and Zabul thanked the president for his special attention and assured of complete coordination among the security organs for people’s security.

The Taliban last night staged coordinated attacks on Ghazni City, with intermittent clashes still ongoing. The clashes caused casualties to both the attackers and security forces and terrified local residents who stayed indoors.

The civil hospital in Ghazni said they had received dead bodies of 15 security personnel and two civilians and more than 30 wounded.

The Ministry of Defense earlier in the day said more than 150 Taliban militants suffered casualties during the standoff in Ghazni city.

But the Taliban said only six fighters were killed and eight more injured in the clashes that killed and wounded dozens of security forces.